Save to Pinterest A playful, refreshing soda float featuring vibrant cherry syrup and fresh fruit, perfect for an eye-catching treat that tastes as fun as it looks.
The first time I made these fruit soda floats, my friends couldn&t believe how beautiful and delicious they were. They quickly became my go-to treat for sunny afternoons, especially when I wanted to impress guests with something easy but stunning.
Ingredients
- Cherry Syrup: 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted), 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp lemon juice
- Floats: 4 cups lemon-lime soda (or club soda for less sweetness), 8 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup fresh cherries (for garnish), 1/2 cup mixed berries (optional), whipped cream (optional), maraschino cherries (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until cherries are soft and the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes). Mash the cherries gently, then strain the syrup through a fine sieve to extract as much liquid as possible. Stir in lemon juice and let cool completely.
- Assemble the Floats:
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of cherry syrup into the bottom of each tall glass. Add a few fresh cherries and mixed berries if desired.
- Add Ice Cream:
- Carefully add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
- Pour Soda:
- Slowly pour 1 cup of lemon-lime soda over the ice cream and syrup. Let the foam rise.
- Finish & Serve:
- Top each float with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Add extra syrup for a vivid cherry-coded look. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon.
Save to Pinterest These soda floats were a family hit during summer, with everyone competing for the most colorful creation. My kids loved adding their favorite berries and making swirls with extra syrup.
Required Tools
Saucepan, fine mesh sieve, tall glasses, ice cream scoop, spoons and straws
Allergen Information
Contains dairy. For dairy-free or vegan, substitute with plant-based ice cream and whipped cream. Maraschino cherries may contain sulfites.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 290, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 2 g
Save to Pinterest Serve these floats ice-cold and enjoy the burst of color and flavor. They&re guaranteed to offer a fresh twist to any gathering!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How is the cherry syrup prepared?
Cherries, sugar, and water are simmered until soft and thickened, then strained and mixed with lemon juice for a bright, balanced syrup.
- → Can I substitute lemon-lime soda with something else?
Yes, club soda can be used for a less sweet option, maintaining the refreshing fizz.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh cherries, mixed berries, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries provide a layered, colorful garnish.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Plant-based ice cream and dairy-free whipped cream can replace traditional ingredients for a vegan-friendly version.
- → How long does it take to make the floats?
Preparation and cooking combined take about 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy indulgence.